OVA
Description
Professor Saotome created Getter Robo and directs the Saotome Institute, researching Getter Rays. He originally designed Getter Robo for space exploration but redeployed it as a weapon against humanity's enemies upon recognizing imminent threats. His son Tatsuhito suffered severe injuries during an early Getter Robo test flight, driving Saotome to urgently recruit pilots possessing exceptional physical and mental resilience to withstand Getter Ray exposure.
He identified and recruited three pilots through extreme methods: martial artist Ryoma Nagare, tested by hired assassins; terrorist Hayato Jin, seeking Getter Ray knowledge; and warrior monk Benkei Musashibō. Saotome personally piloted the Bear Getter Machine until Benkei joined the team. He directed the team's battles against the Oni, mythological entities connected to antagonist Abe no Seimei. His daughter Michiru assisted at the institute but prioritized studying the Oni over combat, reflecting a divergence in their approaches.
As conflict intensified, Saotome's obsession with Getter Rays deepened. He coordinated efforts against the Four Heavenly Kings, powerful entities manipulating Abe no Seimei. During a critical battle, he released concentrated Getter Rays to empower Getter Robo against these foes, knowing this action would consume him. His sacrifice secured the team's victory, demonstrating his commitment to humanity's survival over personal safety.
In broader franchise depictions beyond New Getter Robo, Saotome's character follows similar arcs of escalating obsession and sacrifice. He battles adversaries like the Dinosaur Empire and Hundred Demons Empire across continuities, with his research frequently attracting extraterrestrial threats. His increasing fixation on Getter Rays often leads to psychological unraveling, culminating in events such as merging with Getter energy or being resurrected as an antagonist by alien forces. These variations consistently depict his scientific legacy continuing through successors like Hayato Jin, who develops new Getter units acknowledging Saotome's foundational work.
He identified and recruited three pilots through extreme methods: martial artist Ryoma Nagare, tested by hired assassins; terrorist Hayato Jin, seeking Getter Ray knowledge; and warrior monk Benkei Musashibō. Saotome personally piloted the Bear Getter Machine until Benkei joined the team. He directed the team's battles against the Oni, mythological entities connected to antagonist Abe no Seimei. His daughter Michiru assisted at the institute but prioritized studying the Oni over combat, reflecting a divergence in their approaches.
As conflict intensified, Saotome's obsession with Getter Rays deepened. He coordinated efforts against the Four Heavenly Kings, powerful entities manipulating Abe no Seimei. During a critical battle, he released concentrated Getter Rays to empower Getter Robo against these foes, knowing this action would consume him. His sacrifice secured the team's victory, demonstrating his commitment to humanity's survival over personal safety.
In broader franchise depictions beyond New Getter Robo, Saotome's character follows similar arcs of escalating obsession and sacrifice. He battles adversaries like the Dinosaur Empire and Hundred Demons Empire across continuities, with his research frequently attracting extraterrestrial threats. His increasing fixation on Getter Rays often leads to psychological unraveling, culminating in events such as merging with Getter energy or being resurrected as an antagonist by alien forces. These variations consistently depict his scientific legacy continuing through successors like Hayato Jin, who develops new Getter units acknowledging Saotome's foundational work.